Water conservation apparatus and methods of using same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are water conservation methods and apparatuses that comprise optionally directing drainage water from a sink by a valve to either a toilet storage tank or the sewer or septic system. The drainage water diverted to the toilet storage tank can then be recycled by being used to flush the toilet. The valve may be easily manipulated by a user to provide a convenient option to recycle water for flushing the toilet, a use that is currently a major factor in the overconsumption of water in a household.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water conservation methods and a waterconservation apparatus which may optionally direct drainage water from asink to a toilet storage tank or the sewer or septic system. The waterdirected to the toilet storage tank can then be recycled and furtherutilized to flush the toilet. Depending on the user's needs orpreferences, the water conservation method and apparatus may comprise avalve that may be easily manipulated by a user to direct sink drainagewater to either the toilet storage tank or the sewer system—such asdiverting contaminated water to the sewer system, but diverting suitablewater to the toilet storage tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Green technology is an expanding industry that is embraced by consumersand the business community to find alternative means to lowerconsumption of natural resources. An important natural resource, water,is only increasing in demand due to among other things, the increasingworld population. Indeed, the world's population tripled in the 20thcentury, and it is estimated that the world population will increase byanother 40 to 50% in the next fifty years. The exploding populationgrowth has also been coupled with industrialization and urbanization.Both factors have provided an increasing demand for natural resourcessuch as water in urbanized and dense population areas. As access towater and water resources continue to dwindle, the need to lowerconsumption of water continues to rise. The access to and need for cleanwater is not isolated to non-U.S. countries. The demand for water in theU.S. is also an increasing problem. In 1990, for example, 30 states inthe U.S. reported “water-stress” conditions. In 2000, the number ofstates reporting water-stress rose to 40 and in 2009, the number ofstates reporting water-stress rose again rose to 45. There is thus aworsening trend in water supply and access throughout the world,including within the U.S.

One of the largest uses of water in a household is toilet flushing. Forexample, 75% of water used indoors is in the bathroom, and 25% of thisis for the toilet. The amount of water used in one toilet flush dependson the toilet and when the toilet was made, but can range from about 1.6gallons to over 4 gallons of water (toilets from the 1980's are usingabout 3.5 gallons of water per flush). Even the current low consumptiontoilets use 1.6 gallons of clean water per flush. Thus, the overuse oftoilet flushing of clean water continues to be a major factor in theoverconsumption of water. To assist with this problem, it would bebeneficial to develop more efficient ways to consume water andspecifically, for the purpose of flushing toilets. Other systems forsaving water, for example as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,677, relate torecovery systems of cloudy water from a washing machine to be recycledfor use in flushing toilets. The apparatus in U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,677,however, is limited to recovering water from washing machines and doesnot provide the user with an option or convenience to divert the watereither to the sewer or the toilet storage tank when desired. Further, itwould be particularly convenient to provide inexpensive ways to savewater in the household that would not require costly installation orparts. Indeed, for cost-sensitive consumers not solely concerned aboutthe environment, an incentive to save money on their monthly water billmay be removed if any water conservations methods or apparatuses areexcessively inconvenient or expensive to install. Therefore, convenientand cost effective methods and apparatuses to save on householdconsumption of water, including from various household appliances, couldprovide distinct advantages in the green technology field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses problems of the prior art by providing aconvenient water conservation method and apparatus that allows a user tooptionally direct drainage water from a sink to one or more toiletstorage tanks and/or a sewer or septic system. The drainage waterdirected to a toilet storage tank can then be recycled by being used toflush the toilet. In one embodiment of the present invention, themethods and apparatus for conserving water may comprise directingdrainage water from at least one sink by a valve to a toilet storageoutlet pipe or a sewage outlet pipe; directing drainage water directedto the toilet storage outlet pipe to at least one toilet storage tank;storing the drainage water in at least one toilet storage tank;directing the drainage water stored in the toilet storage tank to anoutlet pipe through a toilet; and directing the drainage water directedto the sewage outlet pipe to a sewer or septic system. In a specificembodiment, the methods and apparatus may additionally comprisedirecting the drainage water from the toilet storage outlet pipe to awater storage compartment before being directed to the toilet storagetank.

In another embodiment, the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention may comprise a valve, wherein the valve is a two-way valvethereby directing the drainage water to either the sewer or septicsystem or the toilet storage tank. In another embodiment, the valve iselectronically or mechanically activated to direct water either to thetoilet storage outlet pipe or the sewage outlet pipe. In anotherembodiment, the valve is activated to direct drainage water to thetoilet storage tank until the toilet storage tank is filled. In anotherembodiment of the methods and apparatus, the valve is activated todirect drainage water to the toilet storage tank once the toilet storagetank is emptied.

In another specific embodiment, the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention may comprise a valve that is inserted into the drainage holeof the sink and into the pipe fitting, wherein the pipe fitting isattached to the bottom of the sink and encompasses the bottom of thesink drainage hole. In another embodiment, the pipe fitting may beconnected to the sewage water outlet pipe and connected to the toiletstorage outlet pipe.

In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the methods andapparatus may comprise a valve that comprises a first end, a second end,an actuator, a plurality of transverse O-rings, an inlet for drainagewater, an outlet for drainage water, and two longitudinal side sealers;wherein the actuator may be located at the first end, the inlet may beproximal to the first end, a first transverse O-ring may be locatedbetween the actuator and the inlet, the outlet may be proximal to thesecond end, a second transverse O-ring may be located between the inletand the outlet, a third transverse O-ring may be located at the secondend, and the longitudinal side sealers may be located 180 degrees fromeach other. In one embodiment, the valve may comprise three transverseO-rings. In another embodiment, the valve may be rotated 180 degreesinside the pipe fitting by, for example, twisting the actuator, therebyproviding one position that directs drainage water to the toilet storageoutlet pipe and wherein a second position may be set after the 180degree rotation and directs drainage water to the sewage outlet pipe. Inanother embodiment, the valve inserted in the pipe fitting may be liftedvertically up in an up position and pushed vertically down in a downposition, wherein the down position plugs the sink and the up positionallows water to drain down the sink. In another embodiment, the valvemay be removable from the drainage hole of the sink and the pipefitting.

In another specific embodiment, the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention may comprise a sewage water outlet pipe and a toilet storageoutlet pipe made of one or more base materials, for example, selectedfrom one or more of PVC, CPVC, copper, steel, brass, other form ofplastic or metal, or a combination thereof In a specific embodiment, thesewage water outlet pipe and/or toilet storage outlet pipe may comprisePVC.

In another specific embodiment, the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention may comprise a pipe fitting that comprises four arms. Inanother specific embodiment, one arm may be connected to the sink andmay be a water inlet, one arm may be a water outlet connected to thesewage water outlet pipe, one arm may be a water outlet connected to thetoilet storage outlet pipe and one arm may be sealed.

In another embodiment, the present invention may include apparatuses forconserving water that may correspond to and be utilized with the methodsdirectly above. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus may comprise a sink, a valve, a pipe fitting, a sewage wateroutlet pipe, a toilet storage outlet pipe, a toilet and a toilet storagetank, wherein the pipe fitting may be connected to the drainage hole ofthe sink, the valve may be inserted within the drainage hole of the sinkand the pipe fitting; wherein the pipe fitting may be directly connectedto both the sewage water outlet pipe and the toilet storage outlet pipe,wherein the toilet storage outlet pipe may also connected to the toiletstorage tank of the toilet and the sewage water outlet pipe may also beconnected to a sewer or septic system; wherein the valve directs sinkdrainage water to the toilet storage outlet pipe or the sewage outletpipe.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus maycomprise a cylindrical valve, wherein the cylindrical valve may comprisea first end, a second end, an actuator, a plurality of transverseO-rings, an inlet for drainage water, an outlet for drainage water, andtwo longitudinal side sealers; wherein the actuator may be located atthe first end, the inlet may be proximal to the first end, a firsttransverse O-ring may be between the actuator and the inlet, the outletmay be proximal to the second end, a second transverse O-ring may bebetween the inlet and the outlet, a third transverse O-ring may belocated at the second end, and the longitudinal side sealers may belocated 180 degrees from each other. In another embodiment, the valvemay be inserted into a pipe fitting, wherein the pipe fitting comprisesfour arms. In a specific embodiment, one arm of the pipe fitting may beconnected to the sink and may be a water inlet, one arm may be a wateroutlet connected to the sewage outlet pipe, one arm may be a wateroutlet connected to the toilet storage outlet pipe and one arm may besealed. In a specific embodiment, the valve may be inserted into the armconnected to the sink.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve of theapparatus may be rotated 180 degrees inside the pipe fitting by theactuator, thereby providing one position that directs drainage water tothe toilet storage outlet pipe and wherein a second position may be setafter the 180 degree rotation and directs drainage water to the sewageoutlet pipe. In another embodiment, the valve inserted in thepipefitting may be lifted vertically up in an up position and pushedvertically down in a down position, wherein the down position plugs thesink and the up position allows water to drain down the sink. In anotherspecific embodiment, the valve may be removable from the drainage holeof the sink and/or the pipe fitting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a water conversation apparatus that contains atoilet and a sink where the drain from the sink is connected to a pipefitting with an inserted valve that allows the sink drainage water to beoptionally diverted to the toilet storage tank or the sewer line/septictank line.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the pipe fitting connected to the bottom of sinkand encompasses the drain of the sink. A valve is inserted into both thedrainage hole of the sink and the pipe fitting, where the pipe fittingmay provide access to a toilet storage outlet pipe and a sewage outletpipe.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are diagrams of the side view and corresponding crosssection view respectfully of a valve that can be inserted into the drainof a sink and a connected pipe fitting.

FIGS. 3 c and 3 d are diagrams of the side view and corresponding crosssection view respectfully of the valve rotated 90 degrees relative toFIGS. 3 a and 3 b.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a pipe fitting that may be connected to the drainof the sink and may be connected to a toilet storage outlet pipe and asewer outlet pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is understood that the terminology used herein is used for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that asused herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a sink” is areference to one or more sinks and includes equivalents thereof known tothose skilled in the art and so forth.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Specific methods, devices,and materials are described, although any methods and materials similaror equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice ortesting of the present invention.

“Actuator” is defined as and without limitation, a mechanical device formoving or controlling a mechanism or system. An actuator, withoutlimitation, can therefore comprise a dial, a rotating dial, a knob, alever, etc. An actuator may also comprise a mechanism that moves orcontrols a system due to an electric current, hydraulic fluid pressureor pneumatic pressure or other mechanical means.

“Pipe fitting” herein is defined as and without limitation, a system ofpipes or tubing that comprise at least one inlet and at least one outletand may be further connected to joints/pipes or other devices totransfer water to a particular destination.

“Sewage outlet pipe” herein is defined as and without limitation, a pipethat directs drainage water to a sewer system or septic tank system orthe like.

“Toilet storage outlet pipe” herein is defined as and withoutlimitation, a pipe that directs drainage water to a path that ultimatelygoes through a toilet. The drainage water can go directly to a toilet orcan for example, be stored in a toilet storage tank, water storagecompartment, other water storage device, or a combination thereof,before passing through a toilet.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for conservingwater. Specifically, the present invention provides a method andapparatus to optionally divert drainage water from household use to atoilet storage tank as opposed to the sewer line or septic tank line,thereby allowing the drainage water to be recycled and used to flush atoilet. In one specific embodiment, the methods and apparatuses mayoptionally direct drainage water from a sink by a valve to a toiletstorage outlet pipe or a sewage outlet pipe. The drainage water divertedto the toilet storage outlet pipe is then directed to at least onetoilet storage tank, wherein the drainage water can be recycled byflushing at least one toilet using the drainage water from the toiletstorage tank. If desired, the drainage water can still be diverted tothe sewer or septic system by optionally directing the drainage water tothe sewage outlet pipe.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a waterconservation apparatus of the present invention that is in fluidcommunication with a toilet 10 and a sink 20 where the drain from thesink 30 is connected to a pipe fitting 40 that is also connected to twohorizontal pipes, (a toilet storage outlet pipe 50 and a sewage outletpipe 60) which lead to the toilet storage tank 70 or the sewerline/septic tank line 80 respectively. Drainage water from the sink 20may be diverted to either the toilet storage outlet pipe 50 or thesewage outlet pipe 60 by the use of a valve 90. In one embodiment, thevalve 90 may be inserted into the drainage hole of the sink 30 andinserted into the pipe fitting 40 which may be connected to the bottomof the sink 20, just below the sink drainage hole 30. The valve 90 maybe placed into position to direct the sink drainage water either to thesewage outlet pipe 60 or the toilet storage outlet pipe 50. In oneposition, the valve may be rotated in a static pipe fitting 40 to directthe sink drainage water to the sewage outlet pipe 60. Optionally, thevalve 90 may be rotated 180 degrees in a static pipe fitting 40 todirect the sink drainage water to the toilet storage outlet pipe 50.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a water conservation apparatus of thepresent invention that is in fluid communication with one sink and onetoilet. The water conservation apparatus, however, is not limited solelyto a one sink/one toilet system. For example, in one embodiment, twinsinks may be used. In another embodiment, three or more sinks may beused in the water conservation method or apparatus. In anotherembodiment, the system may include more than one toilet from differentbathrooms. In another embodiment, the drainage water diverted to thetoilet storage outlet pipe may then be stored in a water storagecompartment before being diverted to the toilet storage tank (e.g., atank located on back of the toilet). In this embodiment, the waterstorage compartment may hold a larger amount of drainage water that canthen, for example, be diverted to one or more toilet storage tanks whenneeded. In another embodiment, the water storage compartment may bemechanically or electrically activated to divert water to a toiletstorage tank. In a specific embodiment, the water storage compartment isactivated to convey drainage water to toilet storage tank until thetoilet storage tank is filled. In another specific embodiment, thestorage compartment is activated to convey drainage water to toiletstorage tank once the toilet storage tank is emptied.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve may beelectronically or mechanically activated to direct water either to thetoilet storage outlet pipe or the sewage outlet pipe. In a specificembodiment, the valve may be activated to direct drainage water to thetoilet storage tank until the toilet storage tank is filled. In anotherembodiment, the valve may be activated to direct drainage water to thetoilet storage tank once the toilet storage tank is emptied.

In another specific embodiment, the valve 90 may be located in thedrainage hole of the sink 30 and inserted into the pipe fitting 40 andmay be activated to convey drainage water directly to either the toiletstorage outlet pipe 50 or the sewage outlet pipe 60. In anotherembodiment, the valve 90 may simply comprise an actuator for easymanipulation by a user to divert the sink drainage water to either thetoilet storage outlet pipe 50 or the sewage outlet pipe 60. In anotherembodiment, the valve may direct drainage two or more locations., i.e.,a two-way valve. In another embodiment, the valve may be a three-wayvalve. In another embodiment, the valve may be a four-way or more valve.

FIG. 2 depicts a specific embodiment of a two-way valve 90 inserted intothe drainage hole of the sink 30 and in the pipe fitting 40. Asdepicted, the valve may be cylindrical and comprise a first end 100, asecond end 110, an actuator 120, three transverse O-rings that encirclethe valve (130, 140 and 150), an inlet for drainage water 160 and anoutlet for drainage water 170. As depicted in FIG. 2, the actuator 120may be located at the first end 100 of the valve and an inlet for sinkdrainage water 160 may be located proximal to the first end 100 of thevalve. A first transverse O-ring 130, may be located between theactuator 120 and the inlet 160. The outlet 170 may be located proximalto the second end 110, and the second transverse O-ring 140 may belocated between the inlet 160 and the outlet 170. The third transverseO-ring 150 may be located at the second end 120.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the valve 90 may be positioned in the drainagehole of the sink 30 and in the pipe fitting 40 to direct sink drainagewater to the toilet storage outlet pipe 50. Water flowing from thefaucet of the sink 20 flows down the drainage hole of the sink 30 andinto the pipe fitting 40 wherein the water may be diverted into theinlet 160 of the valve. The drainage water flows into the cylinder ofthe valve 90 by gravity flow and out the outlet 170 of the valve intothe pipe fitting 30, wherein the water may be directed to the toiletstorage outlet pipe 50. In the depicted position of the apparatus ofFIG. 2, the inlet 160 and outlet 170 are facing towards the toiletstorage outlet pipe 50.

In another embodiment, the actuator 120 of the valve 90 may be rotated180 degrees, thereby rotating the valve 180 degrees and positioning theinlet 160 and outlet 170 to face towards the sewage outlet pipe 60 andthus away from the toilet storage outlet pipe 50. In this position,water flowing from the faucet of the sink 20 flows down the drainagehole of the sink 30 and into the pipe fitting 40 wherein the water maybe diverted into the inlet 160 of the valve 90. The drainage water flowsinto the cylinder of the valve 90 by gravity flow and out the outlet 170of the valve into the pipe fitting 30, wherein the water may be directedto the sewage outlet pipe 60.

Further, to assure that drainage water that flows down into the drainagehole of the sink 30 and pipe fitting 30 may be directed only to theinlet 160 of the valve, a second transverse O-ring 140 may be placed onthe valve between the inlet 160 and the outlet 170. The secondtransverse O-ring 140 thus seals the interface of the outside of thevalve 90 with the inside of the pipe fitting 30, assuring that nodrainage water drains down the pipefitting other than thru the inlet 160of the valve. Accordingly, drainage water may be directed only to thetoilet storage outlet pipe 50 or to the sewage outlet pipe 60 for eachparticular position of the valve 90.

In another embodiment, the valve 90 may be vertically moved up and downinside the pipe fitting 30. In another specific embodiment, the valve 90may be pushed vertically down to plug the sink 20 or pulled verticallyup to allow the sink drainage water to flow into the sink drain 30 andpipe fitting 40 and inlet 160 of the valve. This feature is alsodepicted in FIG. 2. In the depicted position, the valve 90 may be in anup position thereby allowing water from the sink 20 to drain. The valve90 may then be pushed vertically down until the second end of the valve110 touches the bottom of the pipe fitting 180. At this position, thefirst transverse O-ring 130 contacts the inside edges of the pipefitting 40, thereby providing a seal at its interface with the sinkdrain 30 and plugging the sink 20.

Further, a third transverse O-ring 150 may be placed at the second endof the valve 110 thereby providing a seal so no drainage water seepspassed the second end of the valve 110. This feature, for example,allows the valve to easily slide up and down for the user to easily plugand unplug the sink drain when desired. In another embodiment, the valve90 may be easily pulled entirely out from the pipefitting 40 and sink 20for convenient cleaning.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 120 maybe rotated by the hand of a user. In a specific embodiment of thepresent invention, the actuator 120 may be rotated by a mechanical orelectrical means, such as by an electric motor. In another specificembodiment, the methods and apparatuses of the present invention mayinclude an actuator that by a mechanical or electrical means, opens theinlet and outlet of the valve. In another specific embodiment, an outletin the valve may be facing both the toilet storage outlet pipe and thesewage outlet pipe. Accordingly, an actuator by mechanical or electricalmeans opens an inlet only for the specific outlet pipe. In this design,no rotation of the valve would be necessary.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve 90 maycomprise longitudinal side sealers 200. In a specific embodiment,longitudinal side sealers 200 may be placed on opposite sides, 180degrees from each other, on the valve 90. In another embodiment, thelongitudinal side sealers 200 may be located approximately 90 degreesfrom the inlet 160 and the outlet 170 of the valve. Such a feature isdepicted in FIGS. 3 a-3 d. FIGS. 3 a and 3 b depict a side view andcorresponding cross section view of the valve 90.

FIGS. 3 c and 3 d are also the side view and corresponding cross sectionview of the valve 90, but rotated 90 degrees relative to FIGS. 3 a and 3b. FIGS. 3 a-3 d depict the longitudinal side sealers 200 on oppositesides of the valve 90 and approximately 90 degrees from the inlet 160and outlet 170 of the valve, thereby providing a longitudinal sealbetween the interface of the valve and the pipe fitting. Further, thelongitudinal side sealers 200 provide easier rotation of the valve 90 bytwisting the actuator 120 to the desired position of the valve 90.

Regarding other described features of specific embodiments of the valve90, FIG. 3 a shows the side view of the valve as in the position in FIG.2. FIG. 3 b shows the cross sectional view in the same position. FIG. 3c shows a front view of the inlet 160 and outlet 170. As depicted,drainage water can flow into the inlet 160, and out the outlet 170,wherein the second transverse O-ring 140 seals the interface between theinside of the pipefitting 40 and the outside of the of the valve 90. Inanother embodiment, the valve may be made of one or more base materials.For example, the valve may comprise one or more of PVC, CPVC, copper,steel, brass, other form of plastic or metal, or a combination thereof.Further, specific parts of the valve may comprise various basematerials. For example, in a specific embodiment of the presentinvention, the transverse O-rings and longitudinal side sealers maycomprise rubber.

In another embodiment, the pipe fitting may be comprise one or more basematerials. For example, the pipe fitting may comprise PVC, CPVC, copper,steel, brass, other form of plastic or metal, or a combination thereof.In a specific embodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise brass. Inanother embodiment, the pipe fitting may be connected to a sewage outletpipe and a toilet storage outlet pipe comprising one or more basematerials. For example, the outlet pipes may comprise PVC, CPVC, copper,steel, brass, other form of plastic or metal, or a combination thereof.In a specific embodiment, the outlet pipes may comprise PVC. In anotherembodiment, the pipefitting may be connected to the outlet pipes by theuse of a joint. In another specific embodiment, the pipe pitting may beconnected to the bottom of the sink, thereby encompassing the bottom ofthe sink drainage hole.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pipe fitting that may be connected to thebottom of the sink and which may encompass the bottom of the sinkdrainage hole. Further, the pipe fitting may comprise arms that areconnected to a toilet storage outlet pipe and a sewage/septic tankoutlet pipe. In another embodiment, the pipe fitting may be elbowshaped. In another specific embodiment, the pipe fitting may beTee-shaped. In another embodiment, the pipe fitting may be cross shaped.In another embodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise one inlet. Inanother embodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise two inlets. In anotherembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise three or more inlets. Inanother embodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise one outlet. In anotherembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise two outlets. In anotherembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise three or more outlets. Inanother embodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise one arm. In anotherembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise two arms. In anotherembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise three arms. In anotherembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise four or more arms. In anotherembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise threaded arms. In a specificembodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise one inlet, and two outlets. Inanother embodiment, the pipe fitting may comprise one inlet, two outletsand have four arms. Such a configuration is depicted in FIG. 4. The pipefitting 40 comprises four arms, wherein the top arm 200 comprises awater inlet, the left arm 210 and right arm 220 comprise water outlets,and the bottom arm 230 is sealed at the end. In another specificembodiment, the top arm 200 may be connected to the sink 20. In aspecific embodiment, the top arm 200 may comprise various means toattach to the bottom of the sink 20. In a specific embodiment, the toparm 200 may be threaded 240. In another embodiment, the top arm may beattached to a threaded washer 250 to provide a seal and/or connection tothe sink. In another embodiment, the pipe fitting may be connected tothe sink by another joint. In another example, the pipe fitting may beconnected or tightened by the use of one or more nuts, bolts or screws.In a specific embodiment, the pipe fitting may be connected by a brassnut.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described,other and further modifications and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. All further and othermodifications and changes are included that come within the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims. The disclosures of allpublications cited above are expressly incorporated by reference intheir entireties to the same extent as if each were incorporated byreference individually.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for conserving water comprising:directing drainage water from at least one sink by a valve to a toiletstorage outlet pipe or a sewage outlet pipe; directing said drainagewater directed to said toilet storage outlet pipe to at least one toiletstorage tank; storing said drainage water in at least one said toiletstorage tank; directing said drainage water stored in said toiletstorage tank to an outlet pipe through a toilet; and directing saiddrainage water directed to said sewage outlet pipe to a sewer or septicsystem.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said method additionallycomprises directing said drainage water from said toilet storage outletpipe to a water storage compartment before being directed to said toiletstorage tank.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said valve is a two-wayvalve, thereby directing said drainage water to either said sewer orseptic system or said toilet storage tank.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein said valve is electronically or mechanically activated to directwater either to said toilet storage outlet pipe or said sewage outletpipe.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said valve is activated todirect drainage water to said toilet storage tank until said toiletstorage tank is filled.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said valve isactivated to direct drainage water to said toilet storage tank once saidtoilet storage tank is emptied.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein saidvalve is inserted into a drainage hole of said sink and into a pipefitting, wherein said pipe fitting is attached to the bottom of the sinkand encompasses the bottom of said sink drainage hole.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein said pipe fitting is also connected to said sewageoutlet pipe and connected to said toilet storage outlet pipe.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said valve comprises a first end, a secondend, an actuator, three transverse O-rings, an inlet for drainage water,an outlet for drainage water, and two longitudinal side sealers; whereinsaid actuator is located at said first end, said inlet is proximal tosaid first end, a first transverse O-ring is located between saidactuator and said inlet, said outlet is proximal to said second end, asecond transverse O-ring is located between said inlet and said outlet,a third transverse O-ring is located at said second end, and saidlongitudinal side sealers are located 180 degrees from each other. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein said valve is rotated 180 degrees insidesaid pipe fitting by said actuator, thereby providing one position thatdirects drainage water to said toilet storage outlet pipe and wherein asecond position is set after the 180 degree rotation and directsdrainage water to said sewage outlet pipe.
 11. The method of claim 9,wherein said valve inserted in said pipe fitting is lifted vertically upin an up position and pushed vertically down in a down position, whereinsaid down position plugs said sink and said up position allows water todrain down said sink.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein said valve isremovable from said drainage hole of said sink and said pipe fitting.13. The method of claim 1, wherein the sewage outlet pipe and the toiletstorage outlet pipe comprises PVC.
 14. The method of claim 7, whereinsaid pipe fitting comprises four arms.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein one arm is connected to said sink and is a water inlet, one armis a water outlet connected to said sewage water outlet pipe, one arm isa water outlet connected to said toilet storage outlet pipe and one armis sealed.
 16. An apparatus comprising at least one sink, a valve, apipe fitting, a sewage outlet pipe, a toilet storage outlet pipe, atoilet and a toilet storage tank, wherein said pipe fitting is connectedto the drainage hole of said sink, said valve is inserted within thedrainage hole of said sink and said pipe fitting; wherein said pipefitting is directly connected to both the sewage outlet pipe, and saidtoilet storage outlet pipe; and wherein said toilet storage outlet pipeis also connected to said toilet storage tank of said toilet and thesewage outlet pipe is also connected to a sewer or septic system,wherein said valve optionally directs sink drainage water to said toiletstorage outlet pipe or said sewage outlet pipe.
 17. An apparatuscomprising a cylindrical valve, wherein said cylindrical valve comprisesa first end, a second end, an actuator, three transverse O-rings, aninlet for drainage water, an outlet for drainage water, and twolongitudinal side sealers; wherein said actuator is located at saidfirst end, said inlet is proximal to said first end, a first transverseO-ring is between said actuator and said inlet, said outlet is proximalto said second end, a second transverse O-ring is between said inlet andsaid outlet, a third transverse O-ring is located at said second end,and said longitudinal side sealers are located 180 degrees from eachother.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said valve is insertedinto a pipe fitting, wherein said pipe fitting comprises four arms. 19.The apparatus of claim 18, wherein one arm is connected to a sink and isa water inlet, one arm is a water outlet connected to a sewage wateroutlet pipe, one arm is a water outlet connected to a toilet storageoutlet pipe and one arm is sealed.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19,wherein said valve is inserted into said arm connected to said sink. 21.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said valve is rotated 180 degreesinside said pipe fitting by said actuator, thereby providing oneposition that directs drainage water to said toilet storage outlet pipeand wherein a second position is set after the 180 degree rotation anddirects drainage water to said sewage outlet pipe.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein said valve inserted in said pipe fitting is liftedvertically up in an up position and pushed vertically down in a downposition, wherein said down position plugs said sink and said upposition allows water to drain down said sink.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein said valve is removable from said drainage hole ofsaid sink and said pipe fitting.